Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics

EDMONTON – Five members of the MacEwan women's soccer team are heading into their final home regular season games as Griffins this weekend.

MacEwan (10-2-0) hosts Regina (1-6-5) on Saturday (12 p.m., Clareview Field) and Saskatchewan (7-2-3) on Sunday (12 p.m., Clarke Stadium, both Canada West TV).

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Bianca Castillo, Anna McPhee, Erin Van Dolder, Maya Morrell, and Breanna Truscott will be feted following Sunday's game in a special ceremony as they close in on the end of their university careers.

"All of these players are all about the team," said head coach Dean Cordeiro. "I think that's what's really unique about this class; they're all very selfless and focused on doing what's best for the team, what's going to make the team better.

"They will be greatly missed. This is a group that really left their legacy here at MacEwan. I'm so proud of everything they've accomplished, in the classroom and in the community. They're truly champions and they will be great additions to our alumni."

The following is a Q&A with each one of the five seniors on MacEwan's women's soccer team (some answers have been edited for length).

BIANCA CASTILLO

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote

"Bianca, since Day 1, has been a consummate professional here. She's always ready to go and has played a huge role for us over these last few years. I'm very pleased with everything Bianca's brought to the table on the pitch, in the classroom and in the community. She brings great experience, similar to Erin Van Dolder. Both of them won a youth national championship (with Inter) and they brought what they learned there to help lead the way to our national championship last year. Bianca really champions what it means to be a Griffin and it is truly amazing to look back and see how far she has come and how much she has changed our program."

 Bianca Castillo leaps to end a threat against Victoria during a game earlier this season (Victoria Vikes photo).

Graduating with … 

Major in Psychology and Minor in Spanish

Career goal?

"My career goal is to become a Sports Psychologist. That's my first path. So, I'm planning to go to grad school and get my Master's in Science or Kinesiology. That's my next step heading towards Sports Psych. If that doesn't work out, then probably teaching. That's one of the reasons I'm minoring in Spanish is I could teach a language as well."

Favourite memories of your time at MacEwan?

"Of course, one of my favourite memories is being national champions at a varsity level. I actually won with my youth team before entering MacEwan. 

"At the same time, meeting some of my best friends here and creating some of those friendships within soccer is probably one of the best things that's ever happened to me. 

"Then just memories when we travel – Amsterdam, Hawaii, B.C. All those memories together as a team were just surreal and they're something I'll hold onto forever."

Is there a particular personal highlight that really stands out to you?

"Going back to nationals, making two saves (in the gold medal shootout) was probably the highlight of my career here. Especially after making that first save was an amazing feeling. It's something that can help me get to the next level."

You had to come into the game late, everyone was concerned about Bre (Truscott), who was injured, but you just came in and went about your business. How did you do that?

"I honestly don't know. When the moment happened and I saw Bre down, I was more concerned about Bre, as was the rest of the team. When Dean started yelling at me 'B, get ready.' I was in shock. Am I actually going in? I was in somewhat disbelief, but I kind of gathered my thoughts together and took a couple deep breaths. 

"One of my main concerns was PKs. We studied who goes left, who goes right. One of the first things I said to (Goalkeeper Coach) Darren (Woloshen) was 'DW, I can't remember where the players shoot.' He just said 'Bianca, settle down, take a couple deep breaths.' It took a couple minutes for me to settle down, but as soon as I made a couple good catches, I was like 'OK, I've done this all season, I've been in this position before, I can do it again.'

What do you remember about the winning save?

"As soon as I saw Kathryn Harvey, I was like 'OK, she's the one who took out Bre. I need to make this save for her and the team.' I was in the moment, and I made eye contact with her. I saw her looking to my right and right there I got reassurance she was going to my right. When I dove there, I saved it. As you can probably tell from the video I had no idea we had won. For some reason, I thought we had to go again to ensure that we got the win. Then I looked at the referee, she put her whistle in her mouth and there we go."

When you look back on your time here, what do you think you're leaving to the program?

"I think one thing is just patience. It took me three years to get on the field. Following Emily Burns, who was such an amazing keeper – seeing her as a role model and following in her footsteps – it was a big role to step into. I think a lot of my legacy would be 'your moment will come.' Waiting three years was probably the best thing I ever did because it got me to where I am now. It led me to become a national champion."

Anything else to say about your time at MacEwan?

"It was a great experience. Dean has known me since my teen years moving from ASA (Alberta Soccer Association) up to varsity, so he's seen me grow along the way. I loved my time here. Professors, especially, were understanding of student athletes. Just the girls, the coaching staff and the Ats, they all contributed to everything we've accomplished. I'm thankful for everyone I've met along the way."

ANNA McPHEE

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote:

"Anna McPhee's been an incredible asset to the program from Day 1. She is from Seattle, so it's been quite a journey since I first watched her play in Vancouver. She's a tremendous footballer and has contributed more and more every year she's been here, stepping into a huge role for us in her final year. She's extremely studious and sets an excellent example for her teammates. I believe she has been an Academic All Canadian every year, and even on the Dean's list three of those years. She's a special teammate, special person and terrific athlete."

 Anna McPhee gives a thumb's up after MacEwan beat Victoria earlier this season (Victoria Vikes photo).

Graduating with …

Bachelor of Commerce in International Business with minor in Spanish

You're already bilingual in Spanish if I'm not mistaken?

"Yeah, definitely working on the speaking part, but writing, understanding and reading is all good, 100 per cent."

Do you have a career goal in mind?

"I'd like to help companies expand their operations abroad. Not really sure what the title of that will be. Looking into Latin America particularly. We'll see how that goes after grad school. After this semester, I'll be going to Ecuador to finish out my degree there. I'll just be taking some classes and cultural learning that I'm really excited about. After that, I'll be looking into grad schools and figuring out further education."

Any future plans in soccer, too?

"I'll continue playing at some level. I love the game too much to stop. I played for a semi-pro team this summer, so maybe I'll continue playing with them again. I played back in Seattle for a team in the WPSL – the Gunners."

What was that experience like coming into this year?

"It was great. I was out with injury last winter, so it's nice to come back and use that as a way to get some really high-level competition coming back to MacEwan this year. I was really grateful for that experience, working with that coach and those girls who were all playing at high levels – D1, D2 in the States. It's definitely something that helped improve my game and I'm grateful for that."

What are some of your favourite memories of your time as a Griffin?

"Of course, winning nationals. That's the highlight that all of us will remember forever. Other highlights include going to Hawaii in my second year with the team. That was a great experience, a lot of fun and some good competition. 

"My second year, we played UBCO and we beat them 5-0 (Sept. 14, 2019) and I had my first career point – I had an assist that game and my parents were there to watch, so that was a great experience. I got the hard hat, which is something our team used to do – now it's the belt."

How do you think your time and what you brought to the Griffins will be remembered here?

"I'd like to think that I'm leaving with the idea that although I was injured quite a bit the last two years, I was able to come back and contribute to the team with quite a few points and assists. Even if you're out with injury you can always come back, prove yourself and get back in there. 

"Also, when I started on this team, it was a goal for us to make nationals, let alone win nationals, so now our goal is to win nationals every year. I think that just shows the evolution of the program in general. Our goals have changed and gotten so much bigger and better."

Anything else you'd like to say?

"I'm just grateful that I've had the experience to be a Griffin. I had a great time at MacEwan as well. The profs and people I've met here, my teammates and other friends, there's some memories that will last my whole life and friends I'll keep forever. I'm just glad Dean found me at a tournament in Vancouver and that I ended up here. I'm just really grateful for this experience and grateful we were able to win nationals last year coming back from COVID."

ERIN VAN DOLDER

 Erin Van Dolder cuts around an Alberta defender to score in a game earlier this season (Tia Schram photo).

Graduating with …

I finished a degree in Exercise Epidemiology and Sports Medicine at Rice University. At MacEwan, I'm in the Arts program. I've been really enjoying being able to take courses I'm interested in. The variety has been awesome."

Future plans or career goals?

"I would like to play pro soccer for a while. I'm still pushing towards that. After that, I will consider medical school. I'm also interested in social work. I'm just trying to find a path that involves people and doing good."

Favourite memories with the Griffins?

"The obvious one is the national gold. Not even realizing we had won on the penalty kicks was pretty funny. 

Yeah, it took you all five or six seconds.

"Yeah, we were just so focused on everything. For other memories, just the experience with these girls and the relationships you build. Being able to have them around, the positive energy that it's brought into my life and getting back to soccer has been a life-changing experience for me. I wasn't thinking about going pro after my Rice career. Now I'm super looking forward to it."

You had a unique situation where you were blessed to have a whole career in the NCAA and then you're back having another university experience. Can you compare the two?

"They're very different experiences. I definitely feel I've learned a lot from both of them and I appreciate who I am because of them. I'm so grateful I got to have both. I think it's put me where I am now."

You just came to MacEwan last season, but are there personal moments that really stand out to you?

"I remember taking my penalty kicks and some solid tackles."

How about the penalty kick in the national championship final?

"I was little nervous. I remember my coaches telling me I looked a little nervous because I just take a long time to set up. I like to breathe and calm myself down. I don't think I felt nervous in the moment. I just kind of did it and I'm happy it went in."

You were part of a very special moment with the program with the national title last season. What legacy do you think you've left to the program?

"I think what's been super exciting to me to see is the number of younger girls interested in going professional. There are not enough women, specifically Canadian athletes, that are overseas playing. To be able to see someone that's pursuing that and also have that as a resource for those trying to understand it … I'm still learning about going professional. But I have some context and knowledge I can share, so I think that will be super helpful getting these girls to keep playing."

Anything else you'd like to say about your time at MacEwan?

"I'd love to just thank MacEwan. Everyone here has been so kind and so helpful. It's been an amazing experience both academically and athletically. Specifically, thanks to Dean because I would not still be playing if it weren't for him. Dean really pushed for me to get a spot on semi pro that summer (with the St. Albert Impact after finishing at Rice) and I decided to come here instead of go to the U of A. I just had such an outstanding experience. It really showed me how much I love soccer."

MAYA MORRELL

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote:

"Maya Morrell, the linchpin as I've heard her called. What a career she's had at MacEwan. She came in as a top recruit out of B.C. and immediately made a name for herself. She's been an exceptionally hard worker from Day 1 and we're seeing that pay dividends now. She was an important piece to our national championship last year, and pushed herself harder than ever in the off-season. This season, we're seeing Maya as a major driver for us and this team on the offensive side of things. She's been asked to play a different position for us this year, moving into the midfield. She not only has embraced the new challenge, she has excelled in it." 

 Maya Morrell looks for an opening against Lethbridge last Sunday. She tied a program record with 10 shots in the contest (Rebecca Chelmick photo).

Graduating with …

Bachelor of Arts – a Major in Sociology with Criminology stream and a Minor in psychology.

Career goal or future plans?

"Right now, I'm just going to graduate and move back home to Vancouver and then I don't really have a direct plan. I'm going to just go home and go from there. I would maybe like to do something in the criminal justice field, but I don't really know."

Plans to keep playing?

"I'm definitely going to play semi pro with League 1 B.C. this summer. I'm not sure if I'll continue on after that – I might just stay semi pro – but anything can happen in the next little bit."

What team were you with this past summer? How did that set you up coming into this season?

"I was with Altitude FC in League 1 B.C. I think it set me up really well. I really enjoyed the environment. The team was brand new. It was the only team that wasn't associated with a university. They started from the ground up. All the coaches were from Europe, so that was nice having a different coaching style. I really got along with all the girls. I played a lot of minutes, too, so I was really prepared coming into the season, which I think really helped my performance so far."

In last Sunday's game, you had 10 shots, which ties the program single game record. What was clicking for you in that game?

"I think as a team on Sunday just the way we were moving the ball was phenomenal. Being in the middle and being able to get on the ball more really helped. I had a lot more space than I've had. Getting those shots off that I hadn't been getting off in the past – I just had the space, so I just let them all loose. Thankfully one of them went in."

When you look at your career here, what are some of your favourite memories?

"Of course, winning the national championship last year was a big one. Then like many players it's just the moments away from soccer – right before training in the change room, on the bus, just goofing around, singing songs together and dancing. 

"Another one that sticks out to me is my first year we went to Hawaii for our Reading break trip. I'd never been to Hawaii, so going as a team we had a lot of free time in between games to just hang out, go to the beach. I made a lot of really good memories with my teammates."

Is there a particular individual highlight that sticks out to you?

"Probably my very first goal I scored my first year. I remember it was in October and it was against UBCO. I think it was because as a forward one of your main jobs is to score and I was frustrated with myself that I wasn't able to help my team in that way. So, when I got my first goal, I think that was a (big moment). That was a welcome into the U SPORTS realm for me. It was kind of a weight off my chest to get that first goal."

What kind of legacy are you leaving with the program – how will you be remembered?

"As a good teammate, hard worker. And just everything of what being a Griffin is, being a family and sisters. I've spent more time with these girls than I do my own family, so just keeping that camaraderie. Our team has a really good relationship with each other, and I think that shows on the field. When things get hard, we don't start turning on each other. I'm just hoping that continues on – showing each other kindness but making sure everyone's working hard."

Anything else you'd like to say?

"I will remember my time as a Griffin for a long time. I've made some friends that I'll have the rest of my life. I moved away from home, so it was a very different living experience for me, which I appreciated because I'm from Vancouver. I was nervous my first year, but it was nice to push myself out from living away from home. Everyone's just been so welcoming here. I loved getting my education here as well."

BREANNA TRUSCOTT

Dean Cordeiro's coach's quote:

"Breanna came to us as an NCAA transfer, from Louisiana Monroe. She learned so much, backing up Emily Burns, soaking up everything she could. When it was time for her to step in, she was ready. Bre led the way for us in playoffs last year and was a huge piece of us winning a national championship. She has changed so much throughout her career to become the outstanding player she is today. She has been such an important part of our playing style and our culture. We are so blessed to have had her as part of our program."

 Breanna Truscott makes a save against UBC earlier this season (Rich Lam, UBC Thunderbirds).

Graduating with …

Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Sociology, Criminology stem. Minor in Psychology.

Career goal and future plans?

"I think after I graduate, I want to travel for a bit, but not too sure what the plan is. That's kind of the million-dollar question. I'm thinking about going back to school to do a graduate program in human resources, but I do want to follow the lines of something with criminology. My grandpa was RCMP, dad military, mom was police, so it's kind of in the blood."

What stands out to you as some of your favourite memories of your time here?

"Probably winning nationals. That was a huge moment for us – our first ever here. I think my favourite memory was when they were winning nationals and I Face-Timed them from the hospital. I didn't even know if we'd won or not, but I Face-Timed them and they were all cheering. I was like 'thank gosh.'

What do you remember the aftermath when it sunk in?

"I was extremely happy. I remember waking up thinking 'we'd better win if I'm leaving this. I don't want to come back to us losing.' I was extremely proud and happy for our team, especially Bianca for going in cold after not playing for a while."

What's your relationship like with each other as you're splitting time in the net, both playing at a high level?

"Me and Bianca have built a pretty amazing bond the past few years – a friendship and sisterhoods. That's the whole dynamic on our team. We don't have any issues ever. We're very happy for one another when we play. We push each other in training and we're very positive with one another."

Are there any personal highlights that stand out to you – a big save or a big win?

"Probably last season before we entered playoffs when we were playing the Dinos, we played them back-to-back. The first game we lost 4-0 and then we played them on Sunday, and we ended up winning 3-0. That was probably my best game all season. There were a lot of highlight saves for me. It was more personal … because there's a rivalry there and that was probably my best game as a Griffin."

What is your legacy – what are you leaving to the program here?

"I think all the seniors are leaving a good atmosphere for the incoming Griffs and whoever's left on the team. We've built a very strong connection. We're one team, one family. The bond there is really good. Also, the fact, we won nationals, which proved we were the underdogs, and we can push through. I don't believe that we won just through talent and hard work. We won also because we're a family. We work together and we'd do anything for each other."